Kelly Rowland and The Caress Fabulista Army

Let’s talk about living life Fabulously – this means enjoying everyday experiences in a fresh new way! For example, if the sun is shining open the windows and inhale the fresh air or stop for two minutes in the afternoon to indulge in a cup of green tea.

Ultimately, that’s the foundation of this site, for girls living in a small town to strive towards their goals; and women to feel beautiful (comfortable) in their own skin. With this very reason, I was excited and honored to join The Caress Fabulista Army.

In a nutshell, the Caress brand selected women across the U.S. to help launch their new campaign while sending new products from their body wash collection. In addition, Kelly Rowland has become this year’s celebrity spokeswoman…and I’m a true fan of Kelly Rowland.

The new Fresh Collection is Juicy Escape, Emerald Rush, and Aqua Sparkle, which is my favorite. So I ask my readers, “How do you live life Fabulously?” What are you doing to make your life, world, or community a fabulous place? I think it’s easy for me to answer…managing this site!

To follow the movement visit twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #caressme

Kate Hudson LBD Collection with Ann Taylor

A little black dress never goes out of style. As you may have heard, actress Kate Hudson has collaborated with Ann Taylor to create the limited edition “Kate Hudson LBD collection,” premiering this April.

 

You can never have too many little black dresses, and Kate agrees! “It’s one of those things a woman should never be without. I have a whole section in my closet devoted to LBDs!” actress Kate Hudson says of the new collection. Kate has been the face of Ann Taylor since 2012, and this is her second time designing for the store.

The five styles of the collection are designed to fit how women live and are named with the occasion in mind: see Camera Ready, The Romantic and Best Actress below.

The collection will be in stores April 10th and also available on AnnTaylor.com.

 

This spring, Ann Taylor and Kate Hudson team up to celebrate the ubiquitous LBD with a capsule collection designed by Kate Hudson.

The Kate Hudson LBD collection premieres this April with five limited edition little black dresses designed in partnership with Ann Taylor creative director, Lisa Axelson, each highlighting Kate’s personality and lifestyle.

“I loved working with Lisa Axelson and the design team on these little black dresses,” said Hudson. “We designed them to fit how we all live—so there’s something for every occasion and everyone.”

 

About the Collection:

 

THE ROMANTIC – A soft silhouette with a bit of flounce, representing Kate’s spirit, the short and flirty number is cast in a sheer micro-dot fabric trimmed with faux leather for a bit of edge.

CAMERA READY – A super-sexy fit, detailed with cut-outs and sculpted seams, this number is an effortless way to turn every moment into a photo opp.

LONDON LOVE – A sleek dress with revealing sheer insets and a slight fishtail hem, it blends sexy and structure into one statement piece.

BEST ACTRESS – A dramatic off-the-shoulder, floor length column dress with an asymmetric cut that hugs the body, this is the modern-meets-laid-back-meets-super-sexy version of red carpet style.

THE LATE NIGHTER – Emulating another side of Kate’s personality, this made-for-her piece is a bit rock ‘n roll with an open back, with touches of lace for fun and flirt.

 

NBC WBAL-TV Segment with CureDiva.com

I was asked to visit NBC’s WBAL to talk about the lifestyle brand CureDiva.com This project was close to my heart because of the number of women (we know and love) who have had to undergo cancer.  Often times when they’re in this situation, they are facing several physical battles such as hot flashes, weakening nails, or hair loss.  CureDiva.com is platform for women to not only wear fashionable accessories before, during, and after their treatment but it’s also a community for women to discuss issues that are centered around the illness.

The products I featured where the Acquarella Nail System, Travel Purse with Ice Pack, and a Fancy Hands Fan.  Each product serves a purpose, for example the Travel Purse Ice Pack helps women with hot flashes (as a mini cooler.)

In addition to sharing the products with local viewers, I decided to wear the color pink to support the brand.

Kim West WBAL TV 11

Kimberly West Curediva2

 

 

 

 

AMIClubwear Giveaway – Enter to Win and Update Spring Wardrobe

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Super Cute Plus Size Clothing

Style + Life + Fashion has teamed up with AMIClubwear to host a giveaway for our faithful readers! Ladies can win a $50.00 GIFT CARD to jump start their spring wardrobe.  To enter the giveaway, view the guidelines below:

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GIVEAWAY GUIDELINES

1. “Like”  AMIClubwear’s Facebook Page or Twitter account.

2.  Return to my blog (HERE) and leave a comment sharing your favorite Spring 2014 trend.

3.  Share our Style Life Fashion giveaway on your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram)

Giveaway will end at midnight on March 27, 2014 EST.  The winner will be notified (via email) 
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Beauty Box 5 March Subscription Box – Tree Hunt Shea Body Butter Favorite

Beauty Box 5 sent this fabulous set of products in the mail. This month’s box included Jane’s Pick (handmade) Soap, Tree Hunt Shea Body Butter, Swisscom Dual-sided Facial Pad, Bellapierre Makeup Base, and Design Essentials Natural Curl Enhancing Mousse.

In every subscription box I have a product that’s my favorite and this month was no exception. My favorite item that I received was the Tree Hunt Shea Body Butter with a Coconut Lime scent.

I’ve tested Tree Hunt products before but when I opened this cream I feel in love! The smell is very “delicious” and the cream glides on nicely. I am completely sold on this product and now searching for the scrub (in the same scent.)

Overall, I am still in the process of using my Bellapierre Makeup Base but will probably test it out this weekend for my next lifestyle segment.

I am always eager to receive my Beauty Box 5 subscription in the mail because there’s a new theme every month and that’s pretty exciting for a beauty junkie!

Visit their website to learn more about the Beauty Box 5 brand.

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Confusing Baltimore Weather and Confusing Fashion

With the Baltimore area going from beautiful, sunny and warm BUT— back to cold and snowy, we decided to have a little fun by mixing two ends of the fashion weather spectrum by matching a high waist bathing suit with a fox fur coat and UGG boots!!! I had so much fun doing this shoot!

 

The Coat: a fox fur coat by Kent Fisher Furs in Towson, Maryland (gift from my husband Christmas ’09)

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The High Waist Swimsuit: by AMIClubwear

 

The Boots: by UGG

 

Fashion Awards Maryland Emerging Nominee Awards 2014

On this evening, Baltimore’s best and brightest emerging fashion leaders are being recognized at the Fashion Awards Maryland, Emerging Nominee Awards 2014.  The event was held at The Lord Baltimore Hotel near the Inner Harbor.  As the event unfolds, I will continue to post updates.
My outfit: (1) Tailored black leather spiked motorcycle jacket; (2) Black pencil skirt; and (3) Shoes by Christian Louboutin
WBAL’s Ava Marie served as the event host.  The awards show started with a fabulous presentation (as seen above) making guest excited and engaging with the show.

Jack Daniels Honey served as the sponsorslocal designers were invited to display designs that were inspired by the color honey and/or yellow.  Additional vendors were It Works Global, The Peddlers Gallery, Wearable Art and Design, New Secrets, and Embella Adorn, LLC.

Attendees were in high fashion and taking Instagram pics!

Congratulations to the nominees and awardees!!!
The grand finale!

Click on the link to view the winner’s list: 2014 EMERGE Awards

Money Saving Tips from Stylist Sam Bell: Don’t Blow Your Tax Refund

Don’t blow your tax refund on clothes without reading these money saving tips! Wardrobe stylist Gen Bell offers great money saving tips for tax season and for throughout the year.

Sam Bell

1. Have a set budget!
Having a set budget on how much you’d like to spend is key. Everyone has different methods that work best for him or her. Some people prefer to use cash so that they can see exactly how much they’re spending and on what. My personal method is to create a budget first, let’s say $100. Then I figure out how many outfits I’d like to have from the $100, let’s say 4 outfits. Then I start window-shopping and comparing prices from different stores. I always check both online and in actual stores. Often times you’ll find the best mark down prices online!

2. Hit the Discount Stores
You can find stylish bargains at stores like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and DSW. Designer duds for a fraction of the price! But be careful, just because a store is inexpensive doesn’t mean you’ll save any money if you over spend. Learn control.

3. Learn to Do-it-Yourself
Learning how to make a few, simple alterations can save you lots of money down the line. Master the basics of sewing, replacing buttons, and hemming pants. If you’re a busy professional like most of us, then find a local seamstress in your neighborhood that can make the simple alterations for you. The point is to have you clothes last you for a long time. So if you loose a couple of pounds and can’t fit those jeans anymore, make the necessary alterations so that you can reincorporate those jeans back into your wardrobe.

4. Shop Out of Season
Seasoned shoppers shop for spring and summer items in the fall, and buy your fall and winter looks when spring rolls around. Clothing is always cheaper when they are out of season.

5. Avoid Impulse Shopping or Emotional Shopping
Many of us can’t fight the urge to impulse buy. Remind yourself when the urge arises, are these shoes worth it right at this moment? Do not buy the shoes, wait a couple of days and if you still want them and rationalize your need then buy them.

6. Think About What’s Already in Your Closet
When shopping, build a wardrobe around one or two color families that you already have. Keep your current wardrobe in mind when you shop, and don’t buy anything that won’t go with at least two or three other items that you own.

7. Take Care of Your Clothing
Caring for your clothes will help them last longer. Use the right amount of detergent, avoid the dryer when possible and hang and fold clothes properly. Pack your seasonal wardrobe! You don’t need your winter clothes hanging in your closet all summer long. Pack them in air tight containers that are designed to keep the moisture out and your clothes fresh!
8. Shop Vintage and Consignment
Fashion is cyclical! Trends from the past always make a comeback so don’t shy away from vintage and consignment shops. It may take longer to find exactly what you are looking for at a used clothing store so you must have patience and bring a friend for a fun movie montage.

9. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize. No outfit is complete without the right accessories. Take a simple dress and accessorize it in different ways to create completely different looks each time! This will expand your wardrobe without having to buy a new outfit for every occasion.

About Gen Bell:
Wardrobe stylist and creative director, Gen Bell is the true embodiment of a career girl in every aspect. Bell was born in Chicago and is currently styling key individuals in the South Florida community in film, fashion and music. Bell has worked one on one with designers, boutiques, production companies, models and more.

As a previous writer for Haute Living, Gen Bell has an impressive resume for a newbie. With a portfolio centered on beauty, video, celebrity/music, and street-chic styling, Bell has a vast knowledge of creating an aesthetically pleasing composition. Working with color palettes, silhouettes, and design, Gen Bell pulls together elements and principles to create a final “product” which sets apart from the rest.

To view all of Gen Bell’s stylist services and her portfolio, please visit www.genbell.com

Jennifer Lopez: Photo of The Day

Jennifer Lopez

Style + Life + Fashion’s Photo of The Day goes to none other than stylish, “Jenny from The Block!” Jennifer Lopez was seen wearing this pink number and nude pumps while on the set of American Idol.

We also love her whimsical high ponytail and blond highlights. Jennifer Lopez was a star in this particular look!